How can entrepreneurship and innovation contribute to local economic growth and development? How is Erie doing so far, and whatstrategic priorities do we need to set in order to create and sustain a dynamic entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem in the local economy? What are some keys to entrepreneurial and innovative success, and how can entrepreneurs confront and overcome resource constraints?

Hear from local entrepreneurs and from internationally renowned scholar Dr. David Audretsch, who will discuss the linkages between entrepreneurial and innovative activity, government policy, competitiveness, and local economic development.

Be part of the conversation about the role that entrepreneurship and innovation can play in Erie’s future.

Useful information for those selecting a college major, or thinking about changing their careers. Starting salary is not the only thing to consider, clearly. But it IS one important thing to take into account since it will have a huge impact on your standard of living, probably for the rest of your life.

Get a glimpse into what is happening in Erie's economy by checking out the ERIE Guide to the Erie Economy, 4th edition. This report includes interesting information about Erie and how the region compares to the nation in terms of employment, income, demographics, poverty, migration and much more!

Import Substitution Study releasedA study commissioned by the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County, “Building Erie by Buying Erie” was released on 3/8/2012. It details a way to identify industries that might grow or be added to Erie’s industry mix to help keep local dollars local. These might be profitable opportunities for local entrepreneurs! A full copy of the report can be accessed using the link above. Thanks to the EDCEC for funding this research!

"The Problem"By Dr. James A. KurreOctober 2011.The Erie Chamber generously invited Dr. Kurre to do an editorial on any topic of his choosing for their ERIEMagazine. Turns out that did NOT include Cincinnati chili, so he wrote about how we can help kids make good decisions about majors and careers. (Okay, just kidding about that Cincy chili thing...) Here's the link; the article is the first thing in the issue. See what you think, and pass it on if you like it.

Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE)

The purpose of ERIE is to collect, analyze,
interpret and disseminate data, information, and forecasts for the Erie,
PA regional economy. Our continuing research program seeks to help the
local community better understand the regional economy and its linkages
to the national economy. ERIE provides a source
of information for local leaders and media who have questions about the
local, national and international economies. ERIE
compiles data on the local economy from a wide range of sources, and helps
local users access and evaluate these data.

Established in late 1982, the Institute is an applied research unit of
Penn State Erie's Sam and Irene Black School of Business. We do not wish
to duplicate the activities of other Erie-area organizations. Rather,
we seek to use our collective training and experience in the areas of
data manipulation and technical analysis to provide support to those whose
expertise falls in different fields.

Another important goal of ERIE is to provide
our students with relevant experience with applied economic research and
data.

Our primary focus is on Erie County, Pennsylvania, but we also gather
some data on the nation and the broader northwest Pennsylvania area, as
well as some sub-county units. We anticipate adding data for other local
counties as the site expands.